Although I am admittedly a traditionalist, especially during the holidays, there are times that I enjoy challenging the status quo. On most occasions this upheaval of tradition would gain favor or even invitation. Many, however, will turn a deaf ear if you even begin to suggest making changes to their Thanksgiving customs.

Before you abandon your reading or worse yet reach for your 12 gauge and #5 turkey shot, know that my intention is not to erase your established family holiday heritage. Rather, I aim to inject some variance into those Thanksgiving menus and beverage selections, making them a bit more palatable for the younger generation.

Willamette Thanksgiving

Granted, there are numerous world-wide wines that would fit the bill with traditional pairings for Thanksgiving. I feel, however, that this American holiday requires wines that are sourced from these shores. Specifically, I am concentrating on that beautiful Pacific Northwest region named Willamette Valley. Oregon, in general, has been wrongfully pigeonholed into one or two varieties, when in actuality, they have been successful with a myriad of varieties and styles. It is precisely this diversity that we will tap into for unique holiday grub.

Rather than having to relegate certain guests to that wonky card table, I believe in a progressive feast, where you continually eat and drink throughout the day. As family and friends arrive, nudge them towards your sparkling wine cocktail table. This is nothing more than a fun sparkling wine with an assortment of liqueurs so your guests can select their favorite flavors.

Rosé Sparkling

I recommend having some unique liqueurs like St-Germain (elderflower), hibiscus, and crème de rose that can be added to the glass and topped with Planet Oregon Rosé Sparkling 2023 ($24). This whole cluster pressed organic 100% Pinot Noir sparkler can hold up on its own but your guests will appreciate the added flair of a cocktail customized to their liking.

Another tradition we will challenge is the pre-set table covered with those 1950’s appetizers, shrimp cocktail, store-bought clam dip, and that customary cheese ball. Instead, I suggest rolling out the appetizers in continuing waves of gluttony.

Pinot Noir

Refresh your guest’s beverage with Amity Vineyards White Pinot Noir 2023 ($22). The wine has interesting brined citrus notes (blood orange) with an added savory element. Foods like bacon wrapped scallops or caramelized onion and goat cheese squares are sure to pair well and show your guests that you are forward-thinking with your food choices.

Tempranillo

If a still rosé wine is more to your liking, then pour something from the Chehalem Mountains like Compris Vineyard Valley Skies Rosé of Tempranillo 2023 ($40). The red and tropical fruit with the bright acid allows this Tempranillo based wine a broad range of food pairing potential. Although caprese skewers or baked cranberry and brie bites pair well, my suggestion is any type of smoked trout dish.

Since we are breaking tradition and giving the turkey a stay of execution, our diners will be compensated with two main courses. Some will still prefer the feathered animal motif while others will lean toward something with a hoof. Either way, we will have wines to cover both of these choices.

Riesling

For those preferring a white wine, Penner-Ash Old Vine Hyland Riesling 2022 ($40), located in the McMinnville sub-AVA, will not disappoint. This Reisling reminded me of Alsace with my first sip. Classic orchard fruit and petrol on the nose changing to citrus, like a pineapple lifesaver on the palate. The wine will pair well with whatever game selection you choose (quail, duck breast) or even savory soups like butternut squash bisque.

Syrah

Although there are all sorts of animal parts you could choose for your unconventional Thanksgiving final course, I admittedly allowed the wine to make this selection for me. The appropriately named Convivial Feast Syrah 2022 ($80), hails from the Rocks District / Milton-Freewater. Technically this is part of the Walla Walla AVA and not part of the Willamette Valley AVA, but I couldn’t resist continuing to break the rules of our feast.

This wine has black berry fruit, dried herbs, a peppercorn note and that classic Rocks “funk” (in a good way). The slight rotundone peppercorn note begs to accompany slow cooked beef brisket. Impressively the tannins in this wine are incredibly integrated, silky and downright sexy. There are only a small percentage of wines that I feel are deserving of this price point, but this is truly one of them.

As your guests waddle (or stagger) toward the door, regretting not wearing their stretchy pants, you can rest assured that the nonconventional Thanksgiving feast was a success. With all that amazing wine and those well-conceived menu items, you can be quite certain no one gave a second thought to the absence of that little gobbler. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving.